Federation Council of Russia: U.S. supplied MANPADS that took down Su-25 in Syria

The man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) possessed by militants in Syria were supplied by the U.S. via third countries, first deputy head of the Federation Council committee on defense and security Franz Klintsevich said on February 3, Interfax reports.

“The militants have MANPADS today, delivered by the U.S. via third countries”, Franz Klintsevich said after receiving a message about the Russian Su-25 airplane taken down by the terrorists. Also, the politician promised to conduct a thorough investigation of event’s circumstances and type of MANPADS used for the airplane takedown. Strengthening Russian military group in Syria is unnecessary, according to the senator.

Rossa Primavera reported earlier that Russian Su-25 airplane was taken down near the Syrian city of Idlib on February 3. The pilot managed to eject himself out of the aircraft, but was surrounded by terrorists. He attempted to fight back, fired his only weapon, a pistol, emptying two and a half clips at the militants. When they got closer, he blew himself up with a grenade in order to avoid being taken prisoner. In response, the Russian military group hit the militants with high-precision weapons.